Photo: Nancy Haussmann
Photo: Benjamin Brown
Photo: Derek Smith
The Chesapeake Children's Museum
★3.9(203 reviews)$$Museum
🕑 2-4 hours👶 Best for ages 2-10. Toddlers and preschoolers love the water play stations and sensory exhibits, while elementary-aged kids gravitate toward the boat building activities, climbing areas, and science experiments. Infants can enjoy the dedicated baby play space.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
The Chesapeake Children's Museum offers an immersive, hands-on learning experience where kids can explore STEM concepts through play. Located on the water in Annapolis, this interactive museum features indoor and outdoor exhibits including water play areas, a mini farm, climbing structures, and creative play zones that encourage curiosity and discovery.
Highlights
- ✓Outdoor water play areas where kids can dam streams, pump water, and explore hydraulics
- ✓Skipjack boat exhibit with climbing rigging and nautical play
- ✓Butterfly garden and mini farm with live animals
- ✓Construction zone with real tools and building materials
- ✓Chesapeake Bay-themed exhibits teaching local ecology and marine life
Pro Tips
- 1.Bring a complete change of clothes and towel - the water play areas are irresistible and kids will get soaked, especially at the outdoor Water's Edge exhibit
- 2.Arrive right at opening (10 AM) for the calmest experience, as weekends and school holidays can get crowded by late morning
- 3.Pack sunscreen and bug spray for the extensive outdoor exhibits along the water, which comprise about half of the museum experience
- 4.Membership pays for itself in just three visits if you're local, and includes reciprocal admission to other children's museums
- 5.Don't miss the boat building activity where kids design and test their own floating vessels - it's tucked in the back but consistently rated a favorite
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) are least crowded, offering more space for kids to explore freely. Summer is peak season for enjoying the outdoor water features, but spring and fall provide comfortable weather with smaller crowds.
What to Know
Admission is around $10-12 per person (check website for current pricing), with children under 12 months free. Free parking is available on-site, and while there's no cafe, you can bring your own snacks or use the picnic area with beautiful waterfront views.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent daily hours. The outdoor exhibits (including popular water play) are weather-dependent, making summer the most popular season. Some outdoor areas may be closed during winter months. Check their website for special seasonal events and educational programs.
Nearby Eats
Head to Annapolis Harbor (15 minutes away) for family favorites like Chick & Ruth's Delly for classic diner fare, or Davis' Pub for waterfront casual dining with a kids menu. For a quicker option, Panera Bread is just 5 minutes away.
More Activities Near Annapolis
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The Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park offers kids an exciting hands-on journey into Chesapeake Bay's rich maritime heritage. Children can explore historic vessels, participate in interactive boat-building workshops, and get their hands wet with engaging exhibits that bring the working waterfront to life. The museum's combination of indoor galleries and outdoor waterfront park space makes it perfect for curious minds who love boats, water, and learning by doing.
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Broadneck Branch Library
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Broadneck Branch Library is a welcoming community hub in Annapolis offering far more than just books. With an extensive children's section, regularly scheduled story times, and interactive programs designed specifically for young learners, it's an ideal destination for parents looking to foster a love of reading while keeping kids entertained in a calm, educational environment.
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Northwood Park
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Northwood Park is a spacious community playground paradise that keeps kids entertained year-round with something for every season. The summer splash pad is a major draw for cooling off, while multiple playgrounds cater to different age groups, and the wooded walking trails offer a peaceful nature escape right in the middle of suburbia.